A turf cutting ceremony has been held to mark the commencement of work on a new £15m primary school in the Highlands.

The school will serve communities to the north of the River Wick and will replace North and Hillhead Primary Schools.

Miller Construction is carrying out the works as main contractor, with MM Miller (Wick) Limited as sub-contractor. The initial stage of the project is to provide the pupils at North Primary with a new playground when construction begins on the new school building and to carry out drainage works. This will set the groundworks for the beginning of the main contract which is due to start in April and completed by August 2015.

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The new school, which is being developed by hub North Scotland, will feature 14 classrooms, two expressive arts rooms, a library, two nursery rooms, two learning support rooms, an enhanced provision area for children with specific needs, a games hall and a dining area with storage. It will also feature administrative offices, a staff work base, a medical room and inter-agency meeting room, community room with storage, multi-use games area (MUGA) and grass pitch.

Angus Macfarlane, Chief Executive of hub North Scotland, said: "The focus for our organisation is bringing improvement to community facilities and this is a great example of the work being done in the education sector. It is an innovative project, shaped by the needs and views of local residents, and we look forward to delivering a fantastic new school."

Miller Construction has been appointed as Tier 1 contractor by hub North Scotland and will lead the build process, working with local contractors and suppliers.

(JP/MH)